About TRIC Tools

A Company Born of Invention—Literally Groundbreaking

Our History of Innovation

1995

The term “lateral pipe bursting” is not yet a part of any contractor’s vocabulary. Repair or replacement of a home sewer means digging it up—in whole or in part—with results that are messy, disruptive, and often incomplete.

1996

Ward Carter, foreman with an underground construction firm near San Francisco, assembles and tests the prototype of what will become the TRIC lateral pipe bursting system.

1996

His father, engineer Robert (Bob) Carter, develops drawings and applies the manufacturing principles that turn Ward’s idea into a viable product. This whole process is not new to the Carters: Bob's father, Mitchell Carter, had invented the Coleman Stove, the Garbage Grinder, and foam rubber. Innovation just runs in the family.

1997

TRIC begins pursuing patents at home and abroad, campaigning relentlessly for approval of HDPE plastic pipe in residential building codes. These combined efforts establish the lateral bursting industry, and set the TRIC method as the gold standard for trenchless lateral replacement across America.

1999

TRIC receives IAPMO approval and a UPC listing for trenchless underground pipeline replacement using TRIC equipment and methods at the IAPMO meeting on August 31.

2000

The new standard appears in the January publication of the Uniform Plumbing Code. The Installation standard for Trenchless Polyethylene (PE) Pipe for Sewer Laterals is IAPMO 26-99. Most US cities approve the TRIC Trenchless pipe replacement method soon thereafter.

2001-2004

TRIC registers both device and method patents with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and international patents for device and method in Canada, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and New Zealand. Patent applications are pending in Japan and Norway.

2005-Present

The TRIC formula—tools that are simple, modular, compact and adaptable—is applied to other utilities, including larger pipes of various materials, in commercial and municipal projects around the world.

2010

HDPE pipe becomes certified for use in hot and cold potable water applications, fully opening most replacement projects to the use of TRIC Tools and proven techniques.

Our MissionTo provide the best equipment and information to empower the trenchless revolution in the replacement of failing underground pipelines—sewer, water, and gas—and to expand our technology and method from private homes to municipal projects, and ultimately to public policy across America and beyond.

Our VisionTRIC Tools Inc. invented and marketed the first practical sewer lateral pipebursting system, thus establishing the industry of trenchless home sewer replacement in America. Private sewer laterals have since been clearly identified as the primary contributor to sanitary sewer overflows in municipal sewer systems, leading to chronic pollution of open streams and waterways. Like all other underground pipelines—large and small, public and private—sewer laterals are just the tip of the iceberg of urgently needed repairs to wasteful and dangerous underground infrastructure all over the world. We foresee a viable and evolving green technology promoting efficient, economical, and timely replacement of bad underground pipelines locally, nationally, and globally.

Our FutureWe intend to expand our methods and machinery to accommodate our vision of a growing trenchless industry. Sewer, water, and gas pipes come in all sizes and various materials, and each utility line has a particular set of conditions, be they mechanical, geographical, or political. TRIC is constantly exploring different ways to apply our tried and true technology towards new and untested challenges in the trenchless industry. There is still much to be done. Crumbling underground infrastructure causes waste and environmental degradation in communities everywhere. Our goal is to build upon our success in trenchless sewer replacement, while we address other problem utilities with equally inventive solutions.

It takes the experience and problem-solving abilities of a real brain trust to keep TRIC Tools moving ahead into the future we envision for ourselves. Get to know them a bit here:

Ward Carter

President & CEO

888-883-8742

When not hang-gliding or salmon fishing, Ward is in the shop working on future practical inventions, as well as troubleshooting and refining existing products. Ward invented and field-tested the first TRIC trenchless system, and still leads the development of new products and accessories.

Michael comes to TRIC after years of experience at Citibank in New York and San Francisco. While in New York, Michael had a ten-year career in classical theatre, improvisation, and murder mystery. Perfect experience for TRIC! Today Michael oversees day-to-day operations at the new TRIC headquarters and manufacturing facility near the Oakland International Airport. He also reports on company activities with regular online press releases.

With a B.S. in International Marketing from the University of Florida and nearly 30 years in direct marketing with a focus on new start-ups, Gregg oversees domestic and international sales. Gregg never forgets a client, and strives to keep every TRIC user a happy customer. (Especially if they’re Boston Red Sox or Grateful Dead fans!)

With a degree in Communications (Cum Laude) from Ohio University and a lifetime of experience entertaining people with clever observations and magic tricks, Jay is an excellent sales diplomat. He has over 15 years of experience in public relations, including four years with Wang Laboratories in Asia. Jay is also an occasional guest DJ on San Francisco listener-sponsored radio station KPOO.

A Stanford graduate with over 16 years at TRIC, John has a keen understanding of the TRIC method and all its evolving applications in the underground industry. John first worked as a field trainer for TRIC, and is now responsible for corporate identity, advertising, print and web design, product support, and technical writing. He also holds a General Engineering Contractor’s license in the state of California.

Holding a degree in Business Accounting from Peralta Community College in Oakland, CA, Laura’s administrative and organizational skills are key factors in TRIC’s success. She keeps the office on track, and her native Spanish is invaluable to company operations and customer support. As a mother of three, Laura knows how to create order from chaos!

No one can get a TRIC system up and running faster than Steven. Extremely knowledgeable and dependable, Steven ensures that customers can count on their equipment when it matters most. He takes the time to help customers fully understand what makes their equipment tick. And when something is amiss with any system component—especially hydraulic pumps—Steven will have a ready solution!

With over a decade of custom manufacturing experience and a BS in Industrial Engineering from California State University in San Jose, Greg leverages his machining and production-line expertise to ensure every TRIC system is made to spec. Greg will regularly juggle three or more separate CNC operations without skipping a beat! (Nor will he forget what he left in the microwave!)

With a long and diverse history in machining, manufacturing, hydraulics, and even café management, Domenic gives TRIC a unique advantage in quality control and production efficiency. Domenic splits his shop time between manual and automated machining operations, and he applies the same exacting standards to every task he undertakes.

Jose began his trenchless career with a local plumbing contractor, where he directed hundreds of residential and commercial pipebursting projects, often performing multiple lateral replacements in the same day. Now Jose trains TRIC customers all over the country, with the goal that each new user becomes confident, safe, and productive on the very first job.

Born and raised not far from company headquarters, Chris has now added TRIC Tools Inc. to his list of thoroughly familiar local landmarks. Dynamic and dependable, he makes sure that customers receive the items they need, when they need them. From shipments to service, from inventory to major system assemblies, Chris delivers with unflappable style.

Duane Cromleigh

Technician

510-865-8742

Duane has been with TRIC intermittently since the early days. After spending his first years assisting with field operations and training, Duane now assists with day-to-day operations. Depending on his docket, Duane might cover three counties in his delivery vehicle, or three different production tasks in the machine shop.

Dave Crafts

Technician, R&D Fabricator

510-865-8742

There’s a hang-gliding connection that historically permeates the TRIC staff. Dave and Ward have flown for years as members of the same hang-gliding club on the coast just south of San Francisco. It was there that “Super Dave,” as he became known, soon established himself as a top pilot. A relative newcomer to the TRIC team, Dave has already lived up to his reputation in the shop and in the field, and has become a great asset to the R&D fab department.

Max Darrow

R&D Engineer

510-865-8742

With a name that evokes a character from a pulp-fiction detective novel, Maxwell Darrow in fact comes to TRIC with little mystery. After completing an industrial drafting program at Butte College in Oroville California, Max was hired as an intern in spring of 2014. Since then he has familiarized himself with many of the specialized machining processes required to manufacture a TRIC system. Max now combines his drafting and modeling skills with his newly acquired machining skills in support of the R&D department.

We’re proud that TRIC Tools help a wide array of utilities, municipalities and contractors get the job done right the first time, with speed, accuracy and cost-conscious operation. We’re happy to send you a list of our selected clients on request. Here’s what a few of them have to say about our products and customer service:

Careers/Distributor Opportunities

We’re always on the lookout for smart, motivated people with the desire to work with one of the best teams in the business to help our customers find innovative, cost-saving solutions to their underground pipe replacement challenges. If you enjoy thinking beyond the horizon and finding ways to say “yes,” we’d love to talk with you about coming on board here at TRIC.

If you’re an equipment retailer who’s ready to step up to the best, we’re happy to discuss the possibility of you becoming the latest TRIC Tools Distributor. Contact us todayto let us know how you share our vision, and we’ll see how we can help each other.

These days there are many sewer replacement systems out on the market. The TRIC Trenchless system has increased my company’s efficiency in the underground department. It has taken the back-ache out of sewer replacement.

Jeff Rubie

Sacramento, CA, Mr. Rooter Plumbing

I have looked at and used several types of equipment and I highly recommend TRIC. Their equipment is simple to use and reasonably priced. The backup given by these guys is outstanding!

Joe Bristol

Concord, CA, Roto-Rooter

Old excavation practices pale in comparison to this wonderful technology! The expression on the customer’s face after experiencing the TRIC Trenchless process and the minimal destruction to their property is unbelievable.

Dick Rennick

CEO, American Leak Detection

The TRIC Trenchless machine is the most compact [sewer] replacement system on the market. It has put two out of three of my backhoes out of business. And the service does not end with the purchase of the machine.

Mike Tallman

Ventura, CA, ARS-Rescue Rooter

The TRIC system gives you instant payback. It is an easy-to-use, quality system with superb tech support. We looked hard and far and found nothing comparable

Heiko Dzieron

Berkeley, CA, Pipe Spy

You guys are always there for us!

Mike Petelle

Seattle, WA, Sewer Friendly

TRIC is not a part of my business, TRIC IS my business!

John Richardson

Adams, MA, Mr. Rooter

For over 15 years TRIC Tools has always been there when I needed them. “Just call, and I’ll be there” seems to be Ward’s motto. Thanks TRIC Tools. We look forward to a continuing and profitable future!

Jim Theriault

Sarasota, FL, Omni-Eye

We love using TRIC equipment in easements and other difficult places. I really appreciate their support, and we feel that their tools are the best out there for these types of projects.

Juan Perez

San Francisco, CA, Precision Engineering

I wanted a simple, reliable pipebursting system that I could run off my backhoe. The TRIC M50 fit the bill. Plus, the support and cooperation I get from TRIC is fantastic!

Robin Paulsell

Crockett, CA, Paulsell Consulting

Best investment I ever made!

Buddy Griggs

Santa Cruz, CA, Griggs Plumbing

I’ve financed my entire operation since 2007 with my first TRIC system, and it’s still going strong. I have jobs lined up for months!